Singing and playing

tolosenc

Help. I've been playing guitar for 14 months now and still cant sing and play at the same time. Is this normal and is there anything i can do to be able to do it?

PurpleFistMixer

I would recommend to keep trying to sing and play at the same time.
I can only sing and play to songs that I know the guitar part basically off. You need to have a running tab in the back of your mind of the guitar part, but basicaly be thinking of the singing. The guitar happens as an aside.
Or so I find. Could be totally the other way around for other people.

Duff_Man

iv onyl being playin for 6 months and when i sing sometimes the rythm gets messed up....but i only sing when i play acustic :P .

GerryRyan

I had this problem for a long time...

What you have to do is take some really simple songs (3 or 4 chords) like 'Breakfast at Tiffaneys' or 'Little By Little' or 'That's Entertainment' (along these lines).

Now practise along with song, not singing yet. Be able to play song without looking at the guitar or thinking about it too much. Sort out strumming/rhythm first.

After you get this...
try talking or humming over song while your playing, eventually try singing, even if it's only the chorus or a bit of a verse.

I've only been able to do this for a while now so I know how you feel.

After a while you can progress onto more complicated songs or fingerpicking while singing (I'm still working on that part).

Spicy Lauren

3 words: practice, practice, practice.

BossArky

I had the same problem when I started playing guitar. Used to practice Nirvana's about a girl and after a few weeks of concentrating on getting the guitar correct you can let your mind wander to the singing.

Try to walk around and play at the same time. Then try to watch TV and play. Even try tapping your feet alternating between left and right. It all builds on your co-ordination.

Don't look at your hands when playing either. ..similar to the fact that most of the time you don't look at your teeth when brushing them (at least i don't :v: )

Kenny_D

It comes with practice. I've been playing for two years and I still cant sing and play Nirvana: Come As You Are at the same time yet have no problem with many other songs

mickymg2003

I can do it with songs ive known for a long time. i just dont tink of the guitar an focus on the singing but u have to kno the song well.

beserker

lol. I'm the same as GStormcrow. Some songs come fine other ones I don't think I'll ever be able to play and sing together. Come as you are is damn hard for some reason. I think "Bob Dylan - Oh Sister" was the first one i managed. try that maybe. My timing is pretty bad in general tho:)

Matthewthebig

Try singing and playing bass at the same time

now that is hard

OLP

Matthewthebig wrote:

Try singing and playing bass at the same time

now that is hard

But it's all the same, it comes with practice.

Doc_Savage

Matthewthebig wrote:

Try singing and playing bass at the same time

now that is hard

Sting played on the raggae (half) beat and sang in the straight beat!!

Now that took talent!!

Dunno how easily it came to him though!:o

Rustar

Matthewthebig wrote:

Try singing and playing bass at the same time

now that is hard

Yep. It's like trying to thread a needle while pole-vaulting. :v:

Kenny_D

Is it really that hard??? Just makes you love Phil Lynott even more

John

I've no problem singing and playing guitar or bass once it's not too complicated (strumming and root notes or simple bass lines) but once I try and do anything complicated my voice stops and then my playing stops. Then I look sheepish. Yet still I try. Someday, someday...

funk-you

it just comes, dont think about what you're playing and just play it then you should be able to sing along to it. its the same as learning the instrument....you gotta practice.

-Funk